Murder trial delayed as witness requests lawyer

THE marathon trial of six men accused of murdering an elderly couple in their Kragga Kamma Road home in 2009 suffered another hiccup yesterday when legal representation was sought for a witness whose testimony in court was inconsistent with the statement he had given to police.

Judge Nambitha Dambuza said she felt obliged to ask Vusumzi Yolo, 23, of Kuyga, whether he wanted legal representation after state advocate Marius Stander questioned him about a statement made shortly after the murders.

Yolo is testifying at the Port Elizabeth High Court trial of Vernol Fillis, 39, Mbulelo Breakfast, 31, Vuyo Plaatjies, 33, Makwenkwe Lunga Pamle, 24, Lukhanyo Bolo, 24, and Zonwabo Kilani, 25.

The six have pleaded not guilty to charges of housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery, kidnapping, rape and the murders of George Venter, 78, and his wife Jacoba, 67, in their Theescombe home on May 31 2009.

Dambuza expressed her concern regarding the inconsistencies between Yolo's evidence in chief and his statement. She asked Yolo whether he would like legal representation and he agreed.

The matter resumes today. - Lee-Anne Butler